Top Crazy - Anime's Most Iconic Characters – Do You Know Them All?

Some anime characters are more than a series — they become icons. Icons of strength, love, anarchy, loyalty, and all things in between. New to anime or older than dirt with VHS fansubs under your belt, there are faces and names that stick with you — unforgettable due to their influence, looks, and what they stand for.

Here are 12 of the best-known anime characters that define the genre and continue to leave viewers from all corners of the earth in wonder. Let's look at how many you can name — and how many will surprise you ????

1. Goku – Dragon Ball Series

You don't even have to be a hardcore anime fan to know Goku. This Saiyan warrior pretty much is anime for many. His orange gi, spiky hair, and limitless energy (literally) have turned him into shonen's face. Goku is not just powerful — he's optimistic, determined, and inexplicably perpetually hungry.

2. Naruto Uzumaki – Naruto

Naruto started as the only ninja no one believed in. Now? He's one of the most beloved characters in anime history. From his pitiful childhood to being Hokage, Naruto's life is all about perseverance, friendship, and going after your dreams no matter what. And who can ever forget his motto? Believe it!

3. L – Death Note

Barefoot, slouching, sugar-crash — L is not an anime hero in the classical sense. And that's exactly why he's so legendary. As the world's best detective, L's game of cat and mouse with Light Yagami gave us one of anime's greatest mind games. Introverted, genius, and somehow lovable, L left his mark in just episodes.

4. Sailor Moon – Sailor Moon

She is not just a magical girl. She is the magical girl. Usagi Tsukino grew up from clumsy adolescence into heroic Sailor Moon, rescuing the world with love, friendship, and cosmic power. Her outfit, tiara, and catchphrases are cemented in pop culture.

5. Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan

Short, deadly, and with cleaning powers rivaling his Titan-slaying, Levi is Attack on Titan's breakout star. With his blank stare and deliberate actions, he overwhelms the battlefield like nobody's business. He's icy, he's cool, and he's indelible.

6. Luffy – One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy is a reminder that one doesn't always have to take power seriously. With his quirky grin and flexible body, he's sailed himself into the hearts of fans from all over the globe. Luffy's allegiance to his friends and steadfast hope of becoming the Pirate King has solidified his place as one of the longest-lasting characters within anime history.

7. Light Yagami – Death Note

Genius student. Cold-blooded killer. God complex. One of the most complex characters in anime is Light Yagami. Watching him go from idealistic to straight-up megalomaniac is both horrifying and fascinating. Whether or not you supported him, or feared him, you definitely recall him.

8. Totoro – My Neighbor Totoro

No combat moves. No surprise plot. But Totoro has a place here anyway. As the kind forest deity of Studio Ghibli, Totoro gives off warmth, security, and wide-eyed wonder of childhood. His outline alone is enough to get anyone in a good mood.

9. Ichigo Kurosaki – Bleach

A ghost-seer high school student turned Soul Reaper? That's Ichigo. With his large sword and larger heart, he juggles saving the world with school and family. His battles and transformations are the stuff of legend, and so is his iconic orange hair.

10. Gojo Satoru – Jujutsu Kaisen

New to the game, but already legendary. With his blindfold, swagger, and completely insane strength, Gojo has taken the anime world by storm. He's cocky, hilarious, and terrifying when he gets serious — and fans love him for all of it. His blue eyes alone? Internet-breaking.

11. Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

He's short, sensitive about it, and incredibly intelligent. Edward's search for a way to right the wrongs of his past makes him one of anime's most endearing heroes — metal limbs and alchemy at his command notwithstanding. His relationship with Alphonse and sense of justice remain years later.